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Perhaps aware of the awkwardness of the situation and realizing it was unrealistic to ask Xu Lie to pay out of pocket, Chen Tao changed his tone. "What I meant was, it's not that Your Highness should bear this expense. I just think that this method could be applied to the Barbarians, and the court could easily cover this cost."
Xu Lie leisurely took a sip of tea. "The court is already paying."
To prevent Chen Tao from asking further questions, Xu Lie continued, "You only see me digging into my own pockets to hire Xia Cheng and build the docks. But you fail to recognize the money the court has spent to create the Kaihai Division fleet. And do you think all those families going to Fortune Land don’t need financial support? To ensure that the underpopulated Fortune Land can attract as many people as possible, I not only need to distribute land there but also provide building materials for their houses, food supplies before their crops are harvested, and clothing. All of this is partially funded by me, with the court covering the rest."
"Or do you think Fortune Land is truly a paradise where people can just show up and live without any resources?" Xu Lie's words were not mere fabrications; they were grounded in reality. He had already spent all the gold he had purchased from the company to facilitate such a large migration with the Four Great Salt Merchants.
As for the National Treasury? It had been nearly depleted during the shipbuilding process and while recruiting and training sailors. There wasn't much surplus left.
Chen Tao persisted, unwilling to give up. "What about those court officials? Surely they have money?"
A former Minister of Revenue like Zhao Jue could have ten million taels of gold hidden overseas; what about the other six ministers? They must have substantial funds too!
Xu Lie blinked in surprise. If Chen Tao hadn’t mentioned it, he might have forgotten about that ten million taels of gold lie altogether. He hadn’t expected not only Wu Qianchuan but also Chen Tao—with his thick brows and righteous demeanor—to bring up this overseas gold.
Pouring himself another cup of tea, Xu Lie lifted it to his lips and blew gently on it, no longer inclined to respond. He had already garnered enough attention from the audience; if he continued speaking, they would likely grow tired of it.
Song Qiao immediately understood that His Highness was signaling for tea to be served and for guests to take their leave.
Chen Tao simply could not understand and was still waiting for an answer.
Song Qiao was completely baffled; did anyone really believe in something like Ten Million Taels of Gold?
The prince remained silent, prompting Song Qiao to step forward. "Your Highness is merciful. You have already provided enough answers to his many disrespectful questions."
The other court officials and ministers needed evidence of their wealth; they couldn't just speak recklessly. "Chen Tao, don't be foolish. Leave quickly and do not disturb the prince's enjoyment of tea."
Chen Tao, clearly stubborn, dared to question Xu Lie, so how could he be driven away by a mere reprimand from Song Qiao? Considering that both Song Qiao and A Gang had taught him quite a bit about martial arts during this time, Chen Tao's attitude was not too bad. He clasped his fists and said, "Song Laopian, I do not intend to offend; this matter is of great importance, and I must receive an answer from His Highness!"
While Song Qiao could speak, A Gang beside him was not one to tolerate nonsense.
"Hmph! Given our recent friendship, I won’t go too hard on you," A Gang said as he stepped forward, attempting to grab Chen Tao and throw him out. "You can't drink the toast but want to drink the punishment wine!"
To everyone's surprise, as A Gang lunged with a swift motion, Chen Tao barely tilted his head and narrowly avoided the grasp!
The gust of wind created by A Gang's attempt brushed against Chen Tao's face without causing him to flinch. "Your Highness, all I want is an answer!"
"Not bad!" A Gang was excited by the challenge and struck again. "Let me see how much you've grown with your Internal Energy in this time!"
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